What Comes Next If Doctors Suspect That Your Child May Have A Brain Tumour
Brain tumours are, by far, the most common solid tumours that develop in children as well as adolescents, with nearly 5,000 children being diagnosed every year.
Because of the tumour location in the brain, some paediatric brain tumours and their needed treatments can cause immense long-term impairment to both intellectual as well as neurological function. That said, some types of brain cancer could be life-threatening.
Brain Tumour Diagnosis in Children
If a child has suspected brain tumour or experiences symptoms of brain tumour, he or she should undergo thorough evaluation by a paediatrician or, alternatively, a paediatric neurologist. The child may also be needed to enter the emergency room to pinpoint the precise source of the problem.
The doctor’s standard evaluation generally includes brain imaging through an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan. If the scan confirms presence of a brain tumour, the subsequent step is opting for a neurosurgical consultation. A paediatric neurosurgeon will work closely with the entire family to develop the best and the most feasible treatment plan for the child.
Other specialist doctors may eventually join the treatment team of the child, such as a paediatric oncologist (who is a childhood cancer specialist and a brain tumour specialist doctor), an ophthalmologist (if the tumour is affecting the child’s vision pathways), an epileptologist (to tackles seizures), a radiation oncologist, and highly advanced technologists and practitioners.
How is Brain Cancer Diagnosed?
Some of the diagnostic tests that can help doctors in brain tumour detection in a child are mentioned below:
- Neurological Exam
This exam could include, among many other things, checking your child’s hearing, vision, coordination, balance, reflexes, and strength. Difficulty noted in specific areas may offer clues about a certain region in the brain that may be affected by a brain tumour.
- Imaging Tests
Imaging tests help in determining the size and location of the tumours of brain. MRI is also often prescribed. This may be used along with specialised MRI, such as functional MRI or magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Other imaging tests include CT (computerised tomography) and PET (positron emission tomography).
- Biopsy
Extracting a sample of tissue for testing (which is known as biopsy) may be performed as a part of the surgical process to successfully remove the brain tumour. If the tumour is difficult to reach or is present in an extremely sensitive area of the brain that may be damaged after extensive surgery, doctors may opt for a stereotactic needle biopsy. The paediatric neurosurgeon successfully drills a tiny hole into the skull followed by inserting a thin needle through the hole, thereby removing brain tissue. The biopsy sample is analysed in a laboratory to determine the nature of the cells and their levels of aggressiveness.
- Precision Medicine Diagnosis
Besides traditional biopsy analysis, tumour tissue can also be successfully tested for the purpose of genetic mutations as well as the molecular basis of the brain tumour. Targeted drug therapy can then be eventually tailored to the needs of the child.
- Tests to Check if Cancer Has Spread
If it is suspected that your child has a tumour in the brain because of some other form of cancer from another region of the body, the doctors may recommend diagnostic tests and procedures to pinpoint the precise source of cancer.
To Sum It Up:
Having to deal with a child who has a probable tumour in the brain can be extremely excruciating and demanding for the parents. That said, with the advancement in imaging procedures, a thorough diagnosis can be made. If your child has a brain tumour, an entire team belonging to a wide gamut of doctors must be formed so that your child receives the most optimum care.
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